Modern floor lamps are particularly useful. You can adjust the lighting intensity and length of the tripod, changing the direction of light in a desired direction. Some models can even vary at will the shape of the lamp. Floor lamp with shade create a soft, diffused light. This effect is achieved by using special light-scattering materials: rice paper, cotton, blown glass or acrylic plastic. Designer lampshades, by contrast, creates a concentrated light to target the desired coverage areas.

To buy the best desk lamp for your room, there are several things to consider. The first thing is to take into account the style and décor of the room. Pay close attention to the accessories that flank the desk lamp. Then, select a lamp that blends in with all of these. Coordinate the style of the lamp with the rest of the articles in the room. Coordinate the color of the desk lamp with the primary colors you have used in the room. For instance, a brightly colored desk lamp would blend in beautifully with the pep and cheer of a colorful children's room, but may look weird when placed in a room that is predominantly Victorian in style.

Torchiere. This type is among the easily recognizable varieties of floor lamps. Torchieres are also called torch lamps and were already being used in Europe even as far back as the 17th century. The lighting source then were wax candles that were mounted on tall stands made of metal or wood. Today's version, of course, can be of any lamp type (wax candles, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent light, halogen bulbs, etc.) and any stand material (wood, metal, plastic, composites, alloys, ceramics, etc). Torchieres usually take up only a small space in the room, are shaped unobtrusively, and provide well-diffused lighting by radiating the lamp beams towards the ceiling. For these reasons, torchiere lamps are highly sought after by building owners who intend to optimize limited spaces or project a minimalist style in the interior design.